World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 14621 – 14640 of 15962 publications

Atlantic humpback dolphins Sousa teuszii in the Saloum Delta (Senegal): distribution, relative abundance and photo-identification

Saloum Delta — 2016 — WHE5BA8F1DA49

A groundbreaking survey of Atlantic humpback dolphins (Sousa teuszii) in the Saloum Delta, Senegal, reveals the highest recorded population size for this species, estimating at least 103 individuals. Conducted over 1,617.5 km of boat-based coverage in 2015, the study documented 30 sightings, with dolphins predominantly found within 2.082 km of shore, often traveling between the Saloum and Diomboss rivers and crossing into Gambia. The relative abundance was notably higher in the Diomboss, reaching 0.331 individuals per kilometer. Photo-identification confirmed movement patterns and social dynamics, with groups averaging 9.3 animals and at least three neonate calves observed. Behavioral observations suggested a combined travel-forage strategy, with dolphins captured on camera feeding on mullet (Mugil sp.). These findings provide critical insights for the conservation and management of this endangered species within its range.

Authenticity as a sustainable value of holistic conservation: The case of Turkey’s world heritage sites

City of Safranbolu — 2016 — WHE8D8FB24109

Authenticity, traditionally viewed as a quality tied to physical characteristics, is now recognized as a multifaceted value essential for the holistic conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study redefines authenticity by integrating both tangible and intangible features, emphasizing its role in sustaining the originality and integrity of cultural heritage. By analyzing Turkey's Archeological Site of Troy and City of Safranbolu, it demonstrates how a clear definition of authenticity—guided by the Nara Document on Authenticity—can enhance conservation accuracy. The research compares these sites' specific conditions, highlighting the significance of understanding decision-makers' perspectives and current environmental factors to minimize subjectivity in authenticity assessments.

Beyond Butrint: The ‘Mursi Survey’, 2008

Butrint — 2016 — WHEDD4310F7F0

A field survey east of Butrint, Albania, reveals that the density of Imperial Roman sites extends significantly beyond the ancient city's immediate hinterland. Contrary to previous assumptions about urban continuity and landscape impact, the study finds sparse pre-Roman and post-Roman sites, with intense engagement between Butrint and its hinterland primarily during the Early Roman period following colonization. This challenges the narrative set by Horden and Purcell in The Corrupting Sea (2000), suggesting a more nuanced relationship between urban centers and their surroundings in this region.

Beyond Timbuktu: An Intellectual History of Muslim West Africa

Timbuktu — 2016 — WHE68DD07D173

Timbuktu, renowned for its scholarly achievements during Islam's Golden Age, is often perceived as the sole center of learning in precolonial West Africa. However, research reveals it was one among many intellectual hubs that thrived across the region from the advent of Islam to the present day. Ousmane Kane's work challenges misconceptions about Africa's Muslim heritage by charting its evolution and influence. The study employs a historical approach, synthesizing textual sources and scholarly traditions to demonstrate the continuity and diversity of Muslim learning in West Africa, correcting long-standing myths while highlighting its broader cultural impact.

Biological Monitoring in Caves

Vjetrenica Cave, Ravno — 2016 — WHEB890F76F37

A study of 20 caves with high species diversity (at least 20 obligate cave organisms) reveals that even heavily modified and frequently visited tourist caves can support rich biodiversity, challenging the assumption that human activity is incompatible with ecological health. The research highlights the need for rigorous biological monitoring to track changes in fauna density and taxonomic composition, particularly when planning new installations or modifications. Recommended methods include long-term sampling, baiting techniques for both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and the use of pitfall traps. This approach ensures that surface species do not outcompete endemic cave fauna while allowing for sustainable tourism.

Buddhist Revival in China: Values of the Development of Mount Wutai

Mount Wutai — 2016 — WHE6E07606005

Mount Wutai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic Buddhist sacred mountain, has undergone significant development since the 1980s due to the interplay of Buddhist revivalism and politically motivated secularization. The study reveals that the Chinese government's recognition of Mount Wutai's secular values—such as tourism and economic potential—has reshaped its political environment, benefiting the local community, Buddhist community, and the Party-state. This shift contrasts with the suppression of religious groups during the Cultural Revolution and reflects a strategic approach by the CCP to leverage religion for broader societal goals.

Building Heritage In The Alto Douro Wine Region, Portugal – Tabique Wall Nails Characterization

Alto Douro Wine Region — 2016 — WHED1C3FDCAD2

A first-of-its-kind characterization of tabique wall nails in the Alto Douro Wine Region reveals significant dimensional variability, with iron as the predominant material. The study highlights that existing nails should be replaced during conservation efforts due to their deteriorating condition, and provides guidelines for rehabilitation and rust prevention. This research addresses critical gaps in knowledge about vernacular construction techniques, offering actionable insights for preserving this UNESCO World Heritage Site's building heritage.

California’s Redwood National and State Parks: Wild or Constructed Nature?

Redwood National and State Parks — 2016 — WHEEC2F376E2C

California’s Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP) exemplify both ecological restoration and cultural intervention. Established in 1978, the RNSP combined existing state parks with the Redwood National Park to protect coastal sequoia forests, many of which had been devastated by logging. Beyond conservation, the park engaged in large-scale ecological reconstruction, guided by scientific principles but also shaped by Progressive-era ideals of crafting nature to meet cultural expectations. This dual approach highlights how RNSP balances rigorous ecological restoration with anthropogenic influences, revealing a tension between natural and constructed landscapes.

Carbon Storage and Climate Change Mitigation Potential of the Forests of the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Simien National Park — 2016 — WHE4705D93B9A

A study on Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, reveals a critical trend of deforestation and its impact on carbon storage. The research found that cultivated and overgrazed land (COL) increased from 20% in 1972 to 48% in 2013, leading to a nearly 50% shrinkage of Afro-montane forest (AMF) and Afro-alpine woodland (AAWL). Projections indicate that AAWL could disappear in 71 years while AMF could vanish in just 49 years at the current deforestation rate. The study also quantified carbon storage, with soil organic carbon (SOC) holding 55.2% of the total carbon stock, followed by above-ground carbon (34.4%) and below-ground carbon (8.3%). Notably, no strong relationship was found between biodiversity (Shannon diversity index) and carbon storage in AMF zones. The research used a nested plot design for biomass measurement and satellite imagery analysis to assess land cover changes.

Cathedrals in the Digital Age: a Case Study of Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury

Santiago de Compostela (Old Town) — 2016 — WHE615706D29A

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become pivotal in modern tourism strategies, particularly for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Santiago de Compostela's Old Town. A study comparing the cathedrals of Santiago de Compostela and Canterbury reveals that both sites leverage digital tools to attract tourists, with a notable increase in online visits and ICT service provision since 2010. These technologies have transformed the way information is shared and managed, reflecting the shift towards 'smart cities' and modern travel practices. Despite significant changes from historical pilgrimage routes, these cathedrals remain prominent cultural and religious destinations, drawing vast numbers of visitors. The research highlights the adaptability of ancient attractions in embracing digital advancements while maintaining their historical significance.

Chapter Five

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi — 2016 — WHE7F40CBF181

Modern narratives of the Qutb Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque complex reveal a duality: while historically symbolizing Islamic iconoclasm through the reuse of Hindu and Jain fragments, contemporary interpretations frame this as a form of modern iconoclasm. The study traces how colonial authorities, global preservation bodies, Hindu nationalists, and secular nation-states have positioned the site ambiguously—balancing international reverence with religious reclamations. This tension underscores the complex interplay between heritage preservation, political narratives, and cultural memory in postcolonial India.

Chełmno i Toruń. Początki miast na ziemi chełmińskiej

Medieval Town of Toruń — 2016 — WHE58C6D301E3

Archaeological and historical analysis reveals distinct origins for the medieval towns of Chełmno and Toruń, both incorporated by the Teutonic Knights in 1233. While Chełmno's development was rooted in a pre-existing castellany with established settlement structures, including trade hubs and cemeteries, Toruń emerged as a greenfield site near an early medieval Vistula River crossing (Stary Toruń). Despite sharing the same incorporation document, Chełmno maintained its dominant role, reflecting deeper historical traditions. Both towns were strategically positioned at border crossings along major trade routes, later integrating into the Hanseatic League network. The study compares archaeological findings with written sources to highlight divergent socio-economic conditions underlying their urban development.

Cichlids of the Banc d'Arguin National Park, Mauritania: insight into the diversity of the genus Coptodon

Banc d'Arguin National Park — 2016 — WHEF4E2804C7D

A new species of cichlid fish, previously thought to be Coptodon guineensis, has been identified in the Banc d'Arguin National Park (PNBA) in Mauritania. This discovery challenges the current understanding of the genus Coptodon's diversity and distribution in West Africa. The study, combining morphometric, meristic, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, revealed that C. guineensis is paraphyletic across its range, with distinct lineages distributed allopatrically. This suggests that the current classification of C. guineensis should be restricted to Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, while other lineages should be recognized as Coptodon sp. aff. guineensis. Additionally, the presence of a second species, Sarotherodon melanotheron, was confirmed in PNBA.

Cidades-patrimônio e espaços de lazer: equipamentos de lazer no Centro Histórico de São Luís (MA)

Historic Centre of São Luís — 2016 — WHEE5B24A2E65

Despite hosting a rich array of leisure equipment, São Luís's historic center underutilizes these resources for tourism and public engagement. Research reveals key challenges: inflexible operating hours, limited publicity, and lack of structured programming hinder their potential to boost cultural tourism. The study, combining bibliographic analysis with field observations, cataloged these assets but found significant gaps in their promotion and accessibility. Addressing these issues could strengthen the city's heritage preservation efforts while enhancing visitor experiences.

Civil engineering heritage: country profile – Wales, UK

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape — 2016 — WHE777F6F9CE4

Wales, UK, boasts a rich civil engineering heritage, highlighted by iconic structures such as the Conwy and Britannia tubular bridges, Telford's A5 trunk road bridges, and the Pont-y-Cafnau, the world's oldest iron tram road bridge (c. 1793). The region also includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and the Blaenavon industrial landscape, both of which exemplify significant advancements in engineering. This review identifies Wales's major civil engineering achievements, their national and regional recognition, conservation efforts, and key information sources. It underscores the importance of preserving these structures through organizations like Cadw and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales, while providing resources for further exploration.

Climate change disables coral bleaching protection on the Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef — 2016 — WHE6BB042F8F4

Climate change is eroding the Great Barrier Reef's ability to protect itself from coral bleaching, according to a study tracking three decades of heat stress. Historically, corals acclimated to rising temperatures before hot seasons, building resilience against thermal stress. However, recent severe temperature increases have disabled this protective mechanism, leading to widespread bleaching and mortality, particularly during the 2016 El Niño event. Researchers analyzed long-term data to demonstrate how climate change is disrupting coral adaptation, threatening one of Earth's most iconic ecosystems.

Climate change risks on protected areas ecotourism: shocks and stressors perspectives in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania

Ngorongoro Conservation Area — 2016 — WHE5221BCF7C3

Protected areas worldwide, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, face significant risks from climate change due to their high dependence on natural ecosystems and climate conditions. A study conducted between 2012 and 2014 in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, identified key climate-related shocks—such as recurrent droughts, political unrest, global terrorism, and disease outbreaks—and stressors like water shortages, vegetation changes, biodiversity loss, and increased livestock and human diseases. These findings highlight the vulnerability of ecotourism in protected areas to climate change, providing a foundation for further vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies. The research used focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews to gather data on stakeholders' awareness and perceptions of climate change, offering critical insights for conservation and tourism planning.

Co‐operation between large‐scale MPAs: successful experiences from the Pacific Ocean

Phoenix Islands Protected Area — 2016 — WHE91B1F82B47

Collaboration among large-scale marine protected areas (LSMPAs) in the Pacific Ocean has proven effective in addressing shared management, governance, and research challenges. These LSMPAs, which cover vast areas (>100,000 km²), share common natural histories, threats, cultural ties, and scientific needs due to their common ancestry. The study highlights successful bilateral agreements, learning exchanges, and joint research, monitoring, and enforcement activities among notable sites such as the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) and others in the region. By leveraging traditional Pacific collaboration models, these LSMPAs have made significant strides toward achieving global conservation targets, despite covering less than 3% of the ocean's area.

Community Perceptions of a World Heritage Nomination Process: The Ningaloo Coast Region of Western Australia

Ningaloo Coast — 2016 — WHEDE6C312868

Local community involvement in the Ningaloo Coast's World Heritage nomination process revealed mixed perceptions, with support for designation overshadowed by controversy. Key concerns included political and social dominance, mistrust, misinformation, and perceived unfairness, influenced by past government actions. The study highlights challenges in participatory governance, questioning how local communities can effectively engage in such processes for globally significant coastal regions.

Construction and Application of a System for Assessing the Value of Non-World Heritage Tulou in Pinghe County, Fujian Province, Based on the Analytic-hierarchy Process

Fujian Tulou — 2016 — WHE718BC839CC

A systematic approach to evaluating non-World Heritage Fujian tulou in Pinghe County, Fujian Province, has been developed using the analytic-hierarchy process (AHP), expert-scoring methods, and matrix calculations. This study identifies key factors such as value, location, and material conditions to assess these structures, which are culturally significant but lack recognition and funding compared to UNESCO-listed tulou. The research provides a framework for repurposing and conserving Pinghe tulou through targeted renovations, exemplified by case studies from Jiufeng town. By addressing structural deterioration and promoting functional repositioning, this methodology offers a model for preserving Fujian's architectural heritage beyond UNESCO-designated sites.